Container and blanks for making same



Feb. 6,` 1968 R. l.. WALDROP CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME 2 shets-sheet 1 Filed OOC. l5, 1965 m WM m ,H m M BYm Feb. 6, 1968 R. L.. WALDROP CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed OC'L. l5, 1965 INVENTOR ROBERT I .WALDROP United States Patent O 3,367,559 CNTAINER AND BLANES FR MAKING SAME Robert L. Waldrop, Eon Air, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Oct. 13, 1965, Ser. No. 495,648 14 Claims. (Cl. 229-51) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a container of the type used as a container-dispenser for a plurality of bars of toilet soap, for example. The container has an extension flap extending from one end of its top wall with a strip which overlaps an upper end portion of its front wall and is held in such overlapped position solely by concealed fastening tabs attached to the container side walls. A protective overcoat may be provided between such strip and an associated portion of the front wall to prevent inadvertent adhering of the strip to the front wall and mai-ring or defacing thereof. The container is opened by tearing along tear means provided in its top wall and along the side edges of the strip to define an access opening and is reclosed by inserting the overlapped strip within the container as a closure flap.

This invention pertains to an improved container and more particularly to an improved container which is easy to open without damage thereto and which has means for reclosing and to improved blanks for making such an improved container or the like.

Many products in current use today are packaged in cartons or containers which serve as a dispensing container during the process of using the product container therein. Such current containers are often damaged during the opening thereof thus making them undesirable for use as dispensing containers. Others, while being usable as dispensing containers, are too expensive to be used extensively. By way of example, toilet soap is often sold in packages of two or more in which the container is used as a dispensing container after the first bar of soap is removed. It would be desirable to provide a toilet soap container-dispenser which could be easily opened and reclosed without damage thereto.

Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide an improved container of simple and economical construction, which is easily initially opened without damage thereto, and which includes integral means for eectively reclosing such container.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a container which has an extension flap extending from one of its exterior walls, such extension Hap being folded transverse the one wall to overlap an adjacent wall and including an overlapping strip and a gripping area at the terminal end of such strip both of which are used to provide a closure flap for reclosing the container.

Another feature of this invention is to provide coating means on the area overlapped by the above mentioned strip so that in the event an adhesive such as glue is inadvertently applied to the inner surface of such strip, the strip will not adhere to its underlying area thus assuring the container is opened without defacing any portion thereof.

Another feature of this invention is to provide fastening tab means extending from the above mentioned overlapping strip to thereby fasten such strip in position and in which such tab means has tear means therein for unfastening the overlapping strip without damaging the portion of the container underlying such strip.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a container in which the fastening tabs for the overlapping ICC strip are sandwiched between generally double thickness side walls each having an outer surface which completely conceals its associated fastening tab to thereby give the overall container a pleasing appearance.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a container having tear means along each side of its top wall cooperating with an overlapping strip of equal width with the top wall which is fastened by fastening tabs to overlap the front wall of such container such that upon unfastening the overlapping strip and tearing along the tear means in the top wall an access opening is provided for the container.

Another feature of this invention is to provide hinge means formed by a score line in the top wall of a container, such hinge means associating with tear means in such top wall to dene a hinged access flap for such container which is easily opened and closed.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved container having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved container blanks for such a container or the like.

Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of an improved sealed container of this invention illustrating anV overlapping strip with a gripping area at its terminal end portion extending from the top wall of the container and overlapping the front wall thereof, and showing in dotted lines the position of a fastening tab for such strip extending from a side of the overlapping strip, and also showing by dotted lines the position of tear means in such top wall and fastening tab.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view illustrating the overlapping strip partially opened and folded about a hinge line in the top wall and showing by dotted lines in the front wall the outline of the area having a transparent over-coat applied thereto to prevent the overlapping strip from adhering.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional View on the line 4-4 of FIG- URE 2 with the overlapping strip in the raised position.

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the container of FIGURE 2 with the overlapping strip portion inserted within the container as a closure flap and with a portion of the front wall broken away.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view on the line 6 6 of FIG- URE 3 and particularly showing the hinge line in the top wall for the overlapping strip and showing the position of fastening tabs for such strip sandwiched between inner and outer side wall surfaces.

FIGURE 7 is a side sectional view on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 1 showing in dotted lines the container access flap in the open position.

FIGURE 8 is a plan View of an improved container blank of this invention adapted to be utilized to form the container illustrated in FIGURE l.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable for providing a merchandising and dispensing carton for toilet articles su-ch as bars of soap or the like, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination thereof to provide containers for other articles as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiment illustrated in the drawings because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGURES 1-8 an improved container 20 of this invention is illustrated, as well as the improved container blank, in FIGURE 8, for making such container.

As more particularly illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 5, container has a plurality of exterior walls one of which, designated as the top wall, is easy to open and reclose without damage thereto. The top wall has tear means therein defining an a-ccess opening for the container and has an extension flap extending therebeyond and including an overlapping strip which overlaps the front wall of the container. The overlapping strip is not fastened to the front wall but is fastened in position against such front wall by a pair of fastening tabs which extend from the sides of the strip and are sandwiched between double thickness side walls adjoining the front wall on either side. A protective overcoat is applied to that portion of the front wall underlying such strip to assure it does not `become fastened thereto inadvertently. Each fastening tab has tear means defining its base and such strip is unfastened by tearing along the tear means in each tab. A gripping area is provided in the terminal end portion of the overlapping strip permitting such strip to be easily gripped. Container 2G is opened simply by gripping the gripping area and tearing along the tear means in the fastening tabs and in the top wall to provide an access opening into the Icontainer and define a container access flap. Such access flap is foldable about a hinge line in the container top wall and has a terminal end portion comprised of such strip and gripping area which define an integral closure fiap which is inserted within the container to reclose such container. With the strip inserted within the container the area of the front wall previously registering under such strip is exposed intact thereby making a pleasing appearance during continued use of the container as a dispensing container.

Container 20 is preferably made from a single sheet of foldable material and, as illustrated in FIGURE 1, has a plurality of exterior walls shown as a bottom wall 21 and a top wall 22, a pair of spaced apart side walls 23 and 24 and spaced apart front and rear walls 25 and 26. Such exterior walls are suitably fastened together to define an enclosed container.

One of the exterior walls, illustrated in this example as top wall 22, has rst s-core means shown as a score line defining one terminal end thereof with an extension flap 27 extending beyond score line 30. Extension flap 27 has an overlapping strip means shown as a generally rectangular strip 31 which is coextensive in width with top wall 22 and foldable about score line 30 to overlap front wall 25. As will be apparent from FIGURES 1 and 2 of the drawings front wall 25 is arranged transverse, normal in this example, to top wall 22.

Strip 31 is not fastened directly to front wall 25 but is merely overlapped and held in position by fastening tabs at each side thereof as will be subsequently described.

Second score means illustrated as a score line 32 is provided in the terminal end portion of the strip 31. Score line 32 defines a gripping area illustrated at 33 extending therebeyond. The gripping area is preferably folded about the score line 32 outwardly from container 20 so that it can be gripped easily once container 20 has been sealed to permit opening thereof.

As shown particularly in FIGURES 6 8, overlapping strip 31 is fastened in position by fastening tab means shown as a pair of of fastening tabs 34 and 35 extending from opposite sides (side edges) of strip 31 and for fastening such strip to other exterior wall means of said container. In this example fastening tabs 34 and 35 are fastened respectively to side walls 23 and 24.

Side walls 23 and 24 are of multiple thickness practieally throughout their entire areas as will be apparent from FIGURES 3, 4 and 6. At those locations in side walls 23 and 24 immediately adjacent tabs 34 and 35 the side Walls are of double thickness and each tab is sandwiched between such double walls and fastened in position by any suitable means such as glue or the like. The outer wall or surface of each wall 23 and 24 is continuous to provide a smooth appearance and such outer surface is preferably provided by side flaps extending from top wall 22 as will be described later.

Tear means shown as a tear line 36 defines one side of overlapping strip 31, with fastening tap 34 extending therebeyond. Similarly, the opposite side of overlapping strip 31 is defined by tear line 37 with fastening tab 35 extending therebeyond. Tear lines 36 and 37 4are formed by sets of rectilinear perforations in extension ap 27 and arranged on each side of strip 31 as shown in the drawings. It Will be seen therefore that upon folding extension flap 27 about fold line 30, overlapping strip 31 is held against front wail 25 by fastening tabs 34 and 35 which are preferably glued to side walls 23 and 24 respectively.

Top wall 22 is rectangular in shape `and has hinge means therein defined as third score means or score line 40. Score line 40 is spaced inwardly from the first score means or score line 30 and extends from one side of top wall 22 to the opposite side thereof and in parallel relation to the score line 30. That is, score line 40 extends completely across top wall 22 with the terminal ends thereof adjoining side walls 23 and 24. The function of the hinge means will be apparent from the following description.

Tear means is provided in top wall 22 and is illustrated as a pair of tear lines 41 and 42 each formed by a series of rectilinear perforations in top wall 22. Each tear line 41 and 42 extends normally from a terminal end of score line 4l) along an associated side of top wall 22. Tear line 41 coincides with a portion of the adjoining edges of side wall 23 and top wall 22 at one side of top wall 22, while tear line 42 coincides with a portion of the adjoining edges of side wall 24 and top wall 22 at the opposite side of top wall 22. Tear lines 41 and 42 together with score lines 30 and 40 outline a rectangular access opening for container 2t).

Thus, it will be seen, that upon gripping the gripping area portion 33 and tearing along tear lines 36 and 37, strip 31 is unfastened from container 20 and upon continuing to tear valong tear lines 41 and 42 `a cleanly severed access flap is provided for container 20. The access flap thus defined is hinged about score line 40. Container 20 is simply reclosed by inserting overlapping strip 31 and adjoining gripping area' 33 within such container to provide a closure fiap therefor as illustrated in FIGURE 5.

With overlapping strip 31 and gripping area 33 inserted within container 20, front wall 25 is completely exposed. The protective transparent overcoat applied to that area shown at 28 within dotted line 29 and immediately underlying strip 31 in its overlapping position assures that strip 31 does not inadvertently adhere to front wall 25 to thereby assure such wall is not defaced or impaired in any -way and will remain essentially intact when container 20 is initially opened. It will be appreciated that in the process of applying glue to the various flaps such as 34 and 35 some glue might be applied inadvertently to overlapping strip 31. The protective coating provided on front wall 25 assures that strip 31 will not adhere to front wall 25 and thus prevents any tendency to damage the outer surface of such wall.

Container 20 can be formed in any suitable manner and made from any suitable foldable material. It is preferably formed from the container blank 45, illustrated in FIGURE 8. Blank 45 is made of cardboard or the like having a side such as the exposed surface thereof laminated with metallic foil, such as aluminum-containing metatllic foil, or the like, suitably colored, embossed, imprinted, or remaining plain, as desired.

Blank 45 is suitably cut and scored to define a plurality of exterior side walls, shown as six exterior walls, in this exemplary embodiment of the invention.

Parallel spaced apart score or fold lines are provided in blank 45 and illustrated at 3f), 46, 47, and 48. Such fold lines define respectively the lateral extent in one direction of top wall 22 extending between score lines 30 and 46, rear wall 26 extending between score lines 46 and 47, bottom wall 21 extending between score lines 47 and 48, and front wall extending beyond score line 48.

A pair of parallel spaced apart score lines 50 and 51 are provided extending across blank 45 each engaging a terminal end of score lines 30, 46, 47, and 48 at opposite sides thereof. Score lines 50 and 51 have tear means 41 and 42 respectively extending therebeyond. Score lines 50 and l51 and associated tear lines 41 :and 42 define the base of extension flaps which are foldably connected in a common plane to define side walls 23 and 24 respectively as will be presently described.

Side wall 23 is formed by extension liaps 52, 53, 54, and 55; while side wall 24 is formed by extension fiaps 56, 57, 58, rand 59.

The outer surface of side wall 23 is defined by side fiap 52 which extends beyond one side edge of top wall 22 defined by an associated portion of score line 50 and tear line 41. Flap 5.2 is fianked on each side by cut lines 61 and 62.

The inner surface of wall 23 is defined by flaps 53, 54, and 55 extending respectively beyond one side edge of walls 26, 21, and 25 respectively. The side edges of flaps 53, 54, and 55 are respectively defined by cuts 62 and 63, 63 and 64, and 64 and a terminal outer edge of blank 45. Cuts 61, 62, 63, and 64 extend respectively beyond one terminal end of score lines 3i), 46, 47, and 48.

The outer surface of side wall 24 is defined by side flap 56 which extends beyond the opposite side edge of top wall 22 and defined by an associated portion of score line 51 and tear line 42. Flap 56 is fianked on each side by cut lines 66 and 67.

The inner surface of wall 24 is defined by flaps 57, 58, and 59 extending respectively beyond the opposite side edges of walls 26, 21, and 25. The side edges of fiaps 57, 58, and 59 are respectively defined by cuts 67 and 68, 68 and 69, and 69 and another portion of the terminal outer edge of blank 45 mentioned before. Cuts 66, 67, 68, and 69 extend respectively beyond the opposite terminal end of score lines 38, 46, 47, and 48.

Top wall 22 has a pair of tear lines 41 and 42 which are arranged in parallel relation at opposite sides thereof and hinge means formed by a score line 40. Score line 40 extends completely across top wall 22 from side to side and normal to the terminal inner ends of tear lines 41 and 42. Score line 40 and tear lines 41 and 42 define an access ap hinged about score line 40. Upon tearing along tear lines 41 and 42 and lifting the access fia-p about hinge line 4() an access opening is provided for container 20 as previously described. The access opening is exclusively through top wall 22.

Extension flap means shown as extension flap 27 extends beyond one exterior wall illustrated as top wall 22 in this example. Flap 27 is defined by score line 30 and by cuts 61 and 66 extending in a rectilinear manner beyond opposite terminal ends of score line 30.

Flap 27 includes strip means or a rectangular strip 31 therein which overlaps container front wall 25 upon assembling blank 45 to form container 20. Strip 31 has a score line 32 in the terminal end portion defining gripping means or a gripping area at 33 extending therebeyond. Gripping area 33 is generally coextensive in width with overlapping strip 31 and is folded slightly outwardly from wall 25 in the assembled container such that it may be gripped by hand, for example, to open the assembled container 20. The total extension of stripv 31 and area 33 beyond fold line is a small fractional part of the height of front wall 25, thus enabling these two combined areas to be more readily used as a reclosure fiap as described previously.

A pair of glue flaps or fastening tabs 34 and 35 extend from opposite side edges of strip 31. A pair of tear or perforation lines 36 and 37 define the side edges of strip 31 and respectively define the base of glue or fastening flaps 34 and 35. Fastening flap 34 is bounded by tear line 36 and cut 61. While fiap 35 is bounded by tear line 37 and cut line 66.

Upon forming container 20 from blank 45 flap 34 is glued between liaps 56 and 59. Similarly flap 35 is glued between fiaps 52 and 55. Both flaps 34 and 3S are thus concealed within the outer side surfaces of the container while holding strip 31 and gripping area 33 in overlapping relation over the upper outer surface of front wall 25.

A protective coating is applied to the upper outer surface of front wall 25 which registers below strip 31. This area is shown at 28 generally within dotted line 29 and assures that strip 31 does not stick to front wall 25 in the formed container 20.

Terms such as side wall, rear Wall, front Wall, etc., have been used in this disclosure for ease of description and to define the walls as shown in the drawings, such orientation is not to be considered as restrictive.

Thus, it is seen that an improved container of simple and economical construction has been provided which has novel sealing means reusable as reclosure means, such container is easily opened without damage thereto or defacing thereof.

Further, this invention provides improved blanks for forming such containers or the like.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claimed subject matter which follows.

What is claimed is:

1. A container which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof and which has a plurality of exterior walls comprising, extension fiap means extending from one exterior -Wall of said container including strip means initially held in overlapped relation against an adjacent exterior Wall which is arranged transverse to said one wall, and severable fastening tab means extending from opposite side edges of said strip means and providing the sole means fastening said strip means to other exterior wall means of said container and initially holding said strip means in said overlapped relation.

2. A container as set forth in claim 1 in which said other exterior wall means has a double thickness vat a location cooperating with said fastening tab means and said fastening tab means is sandwiched and fastened between said double thickness exterior wall means at said location.

3. A container which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof and which has a plurality of exterior walls comprising, extension flap means extending from one exterior Wall of said container including strip means initially lheld overlapped against an adjacent eX- terior wall which is arranged transverse to said one wall, fastening tab means extending from side edge means of said strip means and providing the sole means fastening said strip means to other exterior wall means of said container, tear means along said side edge means of said strip means, and tear means along opposite side edges of rsaid one wall defining access flap means for said container, said tear means assuring easy unfastening of said overlapped strip means and providing a predetermined access opening in said container upon tearing therealong while maintaining the total area and surface condition of said exterior walls substantially intact, and said access flap means being reclosable by inserting said strip means within said container as a closure flap therefor.

4. A container as set forth in claim 3 in which said adjacent exterior Wall has an area underlying said strip means which has a registered overcoat applied thereto, such that upon fastening said fastening tab means to said other exterior wall means said strip means is assured of being kept independent from said adjacent wall means and upon opening said container by tearing along said tear means both said strip means and said underlying area are kept intact.

5. A container as set forth in claim 3 further comprising a rectilinear score line provided in the end portion of said one wall adjoining said strip means, said score line extending across the full width of said one wall between the inner ends of said tear means which extend along opposite side edges of said one wall to provide hinge means for said access flap for easy opening and closing thereof.

6. A container which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof and which has a plurality of exterior walls comprising, first score means defining one end of one exterior wall with extension flap means extending therebeyond, generally rectangular overlapping strip means in said extension ap means generally coextensive in width with said one wall and foldable about said first score means to overlap an adjacent wall arranged transverse to said one wall, second score means in the terminal end portion of said strip means defining a gripping area extending therebeyond, said gripping area being folded outwardly about said second score means, a pair of fastening tabs extending beyond opposite side edges of said strip means, tear means coinciding with said opposite side edges of said strip means to enable easy severing of said 4fastening tabs, said fastening tabs being fastened to other exterior wall means of said container upon folding said extension flap means about said first score means and providing the sole means fastening said extension Hap means in overlapped relation against said adjacent wall, hinge means in said one wall defined by third score means therein spaced inwardly from and in parallel relation to said first score means while extending completely across said one wall from one side to the opposite side thereof, and a pair of tear means in said one wall each extending normally from a terminal end of said hinge means along its associated side of said one Wall into engagement with a corresponding terminal end of said first score means to outline a rectangular access opening for said container, such that upon gripping said gripping area and tearing along said tear means said strip means is unfastened from said container to provide said access opening for said container and define a cleanly severed access fiap which is hinged about said hinge means for easy opening and reclosure thereof while maintaining the total area and surface condition of said exterior walls substantially intact, with said gripping area and said strip means providing a closure ap for insertion within said container to enable reclosure of said access opening.

7. A container as set forth in claim 6 in which said adjacent wall has an area underlying said strip means which has protective coating means applied thereto, such that upon fastening said fastening tabs to said other exterior wall means said strip means is further assured of being kept independent from said adjacent wall and upon opening said container by tearing along said tear means both said strip means and said underlying area are kept intact.

8. A container as set forth in claim 6 in which said adjacent Wall is arranged perpendicular to said one wall and said extension flap means is folded through a ninety degree angle about said first score means and said strip means overlaps a fractional part of said adjacent wall to provide a closure fiap which is easily inserted within said container upon reclosing thereof.

9. A container made from a single sheet of foldable material which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof comprising, spaced apart bottom and top Walls, a pair of spaced apart side walls, spaced apart front and rear walls, said walls associating with adjoining walls to define an enclosed container, first score means defining one end of said top wall with extension flap means extending therebeyond, generally rectangular overlapping strip means in said extension flap means generally coextensive in width with said top wall and foldable about said first score means to overlap said front wall arranged transverse thereto while remaining independent therefrom, second score means in the terminal end portion of said strip means defining a gripping area extending therebeyond, said gripping area being folded outwardly about said second score means, a pair of spaced apart parallel score lines defining the width of said top wall and each having a side fiap extending therebeyond coextensive in length with said top wall with each flap defining the entire outer surface of an associated vside wall, a pair of fastening tabs extending beyond opposite side edges of said strip means, tear means coinciding with said opposite side edges of said strip means to enable easy severing of said fastening tabs, each of said fastening tabs being initially fastened to a side wall adjacent thereto upon folding said extension flap means about said first score means and providing the sole means fastening said extension tiap means in overlapped relation against said front wall 4and thus keeping said overlapping strip means structurally free from said front wall, hinge means in said top |wall defined by third score means therein spaced inwardly from and in parallel relation to said first score means while extending completely across the full width of said top wall engaging said pair of parallel score lines at its opposite ends, and a pair of tear means in said top wall each extending normally from a terminal end of said hinge means along and coinciding with an end portion of an associated one of said pair of score lines and into engagement with a corresponding terminal end of said first score means to outline a rectangular access opening for said container, such that upon gripping said gripping area and tearing along said tear means said strip means is unfastened from said container to define access flap means arranged over said access opening with said access flap means being hinged about said hinge means for easy opening and reclosure thereof, with said gripping area and said strip means providing a closure flap for insertion within said container upon reclosing said access opening.

10. A container which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof and which has a plurality of exterior walls comprising, extension flap means extending from one exterior Wall of said container including strip means initially held overlapped against an adjacent exterior wall arranged transverse said one wall, grippping means extending from the terminal end of said strip means, fastening tab means extending from opposite side edges of said strip means and providing the sole means fastening said strip means to other exterior walls, a pair of identical tear means provided along opposite side edges of said one wall defining access flap means for said container, and tear means along opposite side edges of said strip means, said tear means assuring easy unfastening of said overlapped strip means and provision of an access opening for said container beneath said access flap means upon gripping said gripping means and tearing along said tear means while maintaining the total area and surface condition of said exterior walls substantially intact, and said strip means and gripping means providing a closure flap which is inserted within said container upon closing said access flap means to reclose said access opening.

11. A container as set forth in claim 10 further comprising a rectilinear score line provided in said one wall between the terminal inner ends of said pair of identical tear means, said rectilinear score line defining hinge means for said access ap means to enable easy opening and closing thereof.

12. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be assembled to define a resulting container, said blank comprising, a plurality of foldably connected walls adapted to define exterior walls in said resulting container, extension flap means extending from one of said walls including strip means coextensive in width therewith, said strip means being adapted to overlap an adjacent exterior wall which is arranged transverse to said one wall in said resulting container, and severable fastening tab means extending from side edge means of said strip means and being adapted to provide the sole means for fastening said strip means to other exterior wall means of said resulting container.

13. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be assembled to define a resulting container which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof, said blank comprising, a plurality of foldably connected walls adapted to define exterior walls in said resulting container, extension flap means extending from one of said walls including strip means coextensive in width therewith, said strip means being adapted to overlap an adjacent exterior wall of said resulting container which is arranged transverse to said one wall thereof, a protective overcoat applied to said blank along the area of said adjacent wall which in said resulting container is adapted to underlie said strip means, said protective overcoat assuring said strip means is not inadvertently fastened to said adjacent wall in said resulting container, gripping means extending from the terminal end of said strip means, fastening tab means extending from opposite side edges of said strip means and being adapted to provide the sole means for fastening said strip means to other exterior wall means of said resulting container, tear means coinciding with opposite side edges of said strip means, and tear means along opposite side edges of said one wall defining access flap means in said resulting container, said gripping means enabling easy gripping of said extension flap means and tearing along said tear means in said resulting container to` unfasten said strip means and move said access flap means away from said resulting container and provide an access opening for said resulting container while maintaining the total area and surface condition of said exterior walls of said resulting container substantially intact particularly in the area registering with said protective overcoat, and said strip means and gripping means defining a closure flap which is adapted to be inserted within said resulting container to enable reclosing of said access opening.

14. A blank being cut and scored and adapted to be assembled to define a resulting container which is easy to open and reclose without marring thereof, said blank comprising, a plurality of foldably connected walls adapted to define exterior walls in said resulting container, first score means defining one terminal end of one of said walls which is adapted to define a top wall of said resulting container, extension flap means extending from said one wall outwardly of said first score means and including generally rectangular overlapping strip means coextensive in width therewith, said strip means being adapted to be folded about said first score means to overlap a front wall of said resulting container which is arranged transverse said top wall thereof, second score means in the terminal end portion of said strip means defining a gripping area extending therebeyond, said gripping area being adapted to be folded about said second score means and outwardly of said front wall in said resulting container, fastening tab means extending from opposite side edges of said strip means and being adapted to provide the sole means for fastening said stripl means to other exterior wall means of said resulting container, tear means along each side edge of said strip means defining the base of an associated fastening tab means extending outwardly thereof,hinge means in said one wall defined by third score means arranged in parallel relation to said first score means while extending completely across said one wall from one side to the opposite side thereof, and a pair of tear means in said one wall defining said top wall each extending normally from a terminal end of said hinge means along its associated side edge of said top wall into engagement with a corresponding terminal end of said first score means to define access fiap means of rectangular outline for said resulting container, said gripping means enabling easy gripping of said extension flap means and tearing along said tear means in said resulting container to unfasten said strip means and move said access iiap means away from said resulting container and provide an access opening therein While maintaining the total area and surface condition of said exterior walls of said resulting container substantially intact, and said strip means and gripping area defining a closure ap adapted to be inserted within said resulting container to enable reclosing of said access opening.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,122,480 7/ 19138 Lowey 229--51 X 2,345,486 3/1944 Leebov 229-51 X 2,828,060 3/1958` Brown 229-51 X 3,101,883 8/1963 Gimple 229--51 3,127,088 3/ 1964i Jacobson 229-51 3,167,238 1/ 1965 Smith 229--51 3,223,230 12/1965 Bianchi 229--51 FOREIGN PATENTS 229,463 7/ 1960 Australia. 672,175 10/ 1963 Canada.

DAVIS T. MOORH-EAD, Primary Examiner. 

